Alcohol Advertisements Do Not Promote Underage Drinking Summary

An individual’s upbringing, environment, and personality are some of the factors which influence his or her decision making. The consumption of alcohol is a personal decision which is not related to age or advertising. Robert A. Levy’s passage, “Alcohol Ads Do Not Promote Underage Drinking”, argues that advertisements are not to be blamed for a person’s decision to drink. While Robert A. Levy’s passage aims to defend alcohol advertisers, his passage contains some solid points about the personal choices surrounding underage drinking. First, Robert A. Levy underlines all the responsibilities an eighteen year old has without having the right to legally consume alcohol. In the United States of America, an eighteen year old is considered a legal adult and is fully responsible for his or her actions. While not being able to drink, the same individual is required to vote, take full responsibility for any legal infractions committed, and can risk his or her life defending their country in the military. The aforementioned responsibilities have a much heavier impact on the legal adult than the consummation of alcohol. It is illogical that an eighteen year old should have full citizen rights and still not be able to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
Every product has the right to be marketed to its respective audience and allowing the control of alcohol advertising would wrongfully allow government intervention into the market. As long as alcohol is readily available, there will always be legal-age and underage consumers. A legal adult’s feelings concerning alcohol consumption, their surroundings, and pressure to be accepted by others are much greater influences than a magazine advertisement. If an underage drinker is attracted by an ad, it is because he or she wants to become the person represented rather than actually drink the